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SBS Australia
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
Aussie slang: the art of friendly insults
More resources for language educators Watch Weird and Wonderful Aussie English on SBS On Demand HOWIE: Do you feel like you understand English… and then the moment you arrive in Australia, suddenly you don't? I study language and the way people use it. I grew up in the US, so I thought I knew English really well. But when I first got here, a friend texted me and said: 'Let's meet in the arvo. Maybe 1pm.' I looked everywhere for a café called Arvo. Turns out "arvo" means "afternoon." Australians use a lot of slang. It can be weird and confusing, especially if you're new here. This series explores why we use Aussie slang, and where these words come from. Australians love to shorten words. Why? Because we like to sound easygoing and relaxed. Even our folk heroes are chill. One word for this kind of laidback character is 'larrikin.' And Aussies love to joke around – with coworkers, friends, even strangers. We even have a word for this kind of teasing: 'chiacking.' It started as a British word, but we made it our own. 'Chiack' probably came from an old fruit-seller's call: Over time, it turned into the playful banter we know today. A kind of friendly teasing — a way to show you like someone. If someone warns you about dangerous koalas in the trees — 'drop bears' — don't worry. They're not real. It's just more Aussie humour. Nicknames are another way we show friendliness. We like to add an -o or -ie to people's names: John becomes Jonno Sharon becomes Shazza Gary becomes Gazza Albo and Scomo are short for Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison. You don't give yourself a nickname — your mates do. Aussies love being informal. It's part of our identity — especially compared to more formal cultures like Britain. That's why even in serious places like workplaces or Parliament, we still use nicknames and casual talk. And yes, we swear a lot — but even swearing can be friendly here. Some of our favourite words? 'Bugger,' 'bastard,' 'bullshit' — and especially 'bloody.' 'Bloody' has been called The Great Australian Adjective. We say things like 'bloody tough' when something is really bad. It helps us stay grounded — and human. No matter who you are, Aussies will probably call you "mate." Originally, 'mate' meant a friend or work partner. But in Australia, it became something more. It reflects a history of shared work, food, and space. A symbol of equality and connection. Words like 'mate,' 'larrikin,' and 'chiacking' all came from Britain — but we gave them new life. Australian English is always changing. We're constantly adding new words and new meanings. Some of our freshest words come from migrants. We used to call the kookaburra things like 'laughing jackass' or 'ha-ha duck' before using its proper Wiradjuri name. Today, we're embracing more migrant words than ever: Foods like 'nasi goreng' Friendly terms like 'habib' 'Habib' isn't replacing 'mate' — it's just another way to show friendship in a diverse Australia. One time, a tradie came to fix the plumbing at my house. My partner made him a cup of tea. He said, 'That's a grouse cup of tea.' We weren't sure if that was good or bad. We looked it up — 'grouse' means 'really good!' Aussie English can be weird. But that's what makes it so wonderful. Aussies joke, tease, and give nicknames to show they care. If they're doing it with you — it means they probably like you. You can be part of it too. Just keep listening, keep speaking — and one day, you'll be adding your own words to Aussie English. Weird and Wonderful Aussie English Video production company: New Mac Video Agency
Business Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Lens on Singapore: Economic adaptation to US trade policies
A lot of conversations have revolved around rising trade tensions over tariffs currently playing out in real-time. But as consumers what do the tariffs really mean to us? In the latest episode of Lens on Singapore, a podcast by The Business Times, I sat down with Geoff Howie, market strategist from the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and Terence Ho, deputy executive director and associate professor at the Institute for Adult Learning, Singapore University of Social Sciences, to delve into precisely that. Rebalancing expectations Howie highlights that six months into his presidency, President Trump's tariffs on Singapore have led to a revision of growth forecasts which have impacted market expectations and investor confidence. I shared a personal anecdote on how tariffs have inflated prices of everyday items, such as a rubber floor mat I was intending to purchase from the US. This set the stage for Ho to muse on broader economic impacts, including the OECD's lowered global growth forecast and the negative effects on consumers and businesses in Singapore. The challenge of uncertainty BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Howie and Ho dive deeper into the business uncertainty resulting from tariffs, engaging in a lively exchange over the long-term impacts on supply chains, consumer prices, and economic growth in Singapore. Howie explains that companies are concerned about maintaining margins and touches on how banks might react to the economic climate. Ho in turn underscores the importance of business adaptation and economic resilience in this volatile environment. A crucial part of the discussion revolves around investment strategies. Diversification as a hedge Howie, who was consistent with other investment experts, once again pointed out the importance of diversification across asset classes and highlighted a trend towards the increasing demand for gold ETFs. The conversation then turned to an exchange of ideas on how businesses and investors can navigate the uncertainties, with Ho stressing the need for strategic nimbleness and cost efficiency. Economic resilience The episode also examines the policy responses and future projections for Singapore's economy. Ho describes the role of the Singapore Economic Resilience Task Force in making sense of the challenges and formulating responsive strategies. We close the discussion with a discussion about the US dollar's dominance in global trade and its potential impact on Singapore. Watch this now to gain a better understanding of the complexities of international trade, economic policies, and their ripple effects on local markets. For more episodes, go to and if you have feedback or an episode idea, please get in touch at btpodcasts@ --- Hosted by Claressa Monteiro, edited and produced by Claressa Monteiro, Emily Liu and Chai Pei Chieh With Geoff Howie, market strategist, Singapore Exchange; and Terence Ho, deputy executive director and associate professor of practice, Institute for Adult Learning, Singapore University of Social Sciences A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Lens On: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: BT Correspondents at: BT Market Focus: BT Podcasts: BT Branded Podcasts at:
SBS Australia
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
From barbies to banh mi: Aussie food slang explained
More resources for language educators Watch Weird and Wonderful Aussie English on SBS On Demand Howie: Have you ever been invited to an Aussie party and been told to 'bring a plate'? If that sounds strange, you're not alone. Aussie English can be weird — but there's always a reason behind it. So why do Aussies talk about eating the way they do? And how did all these unique food phrases become part of everyday life? Food is a beautiful, shared experience. Australia's diverse population has brought meals and food traditions from many cultures. Because of this, you'll hear lots of eating-related words that have evolved from different places. Sharing food is a big part of Aussie culture and mateship. Since the early 20th century, Australians have used the phrase 'bring a plate' — not because they're out of crockery, but because they're asking you to bring food to share. It doesn't have to be a literal plate. It could be a bowl of dessert, a salad, drinks — anything, really. The phrase goes back to community fundraisers and club events in the early 1900s. Instead of buying a ticket, guests were asked to bring a plate of food — often cake. By the 1920s, that became simply: 'bring a plate.' So if you're invited to a barbie, make sure to put some tucker on your plate. Barbie = barbecue Tucker = food (any kind) The snag (sausage) is the hero of many Aussie barbecues. It's also the centrepiece of election fundraisers — where it becomes a 'democracy sausage.' Australians love word shortenings. Research shows that around 4% of Australian English words are shortened forms. Why? Because shortening words feels informal and friendly — and that's how Aussies like to talk. It may come from 'flagon' (a big bottle of wine), or from 'goom,' another word for alcohol. Either way, it now refers to boxed wine — which Aussies also call: Boxie Box monster Cardy chardy Goon bag Goon sack We get creative with food, and even more creative with names for it. Food has always been tied to identity, class, and culture. Australia's earliest settlers and convicts were curious about Indigenous food — later called bush tucker. In 1864, Edward Abbott published the first Australian cookbook, featuring recipes for emu, kangaroo, and other native ingredients. Over time, traditional foods gave way to British and American dishes — even within many Indigenous communities. But after World War II, Australians began to embrace multicultural food more openly. Even when Aussies were hesitant to use other languages, they still used original names for many dishes: Nasi goreng, chop suey, goulash, and more. Australia's most iconic animal — the kangaroo — gets its name from the Guugu Yimidhirr language. But not all Indigenous words survived colonisation. The macadamia nut, for instance, was named after chemist John Macadam, even though Indigenous names like 'gumburra' and 'kindal kindal' were already in use. Today, we're embracing more migrant and Indigenous words than ever. Aussies often shorten borrowed food terms too: Spaghetti bolognese becomes spag bol Chicken parmigiana becomes… parma or parmi — depending on where you are Warning: Saying the 'wrong' version could spark a pub debate! Food can be fun — but it can also be political. Australians feel strongly about what we eat and what we call it. Terms like 'kebab' and 'halal snack pack' (HSP) have become part of the Aussie food experience. In fact, in 2016, halal snack pack won the People's Choice Award in the Macquarie Dictionary's Word of the Year. This love of food reflects how we welcome new people, cultures, and ideas — by sharing meals and language. We say 'bring a plate' not just to make parties easier to host — but to try everyone's favourite dish. From bush tucker to democracy sausages, and from goon bags to goulash, Aussie English is full of flavour. It's shaped by what we eat, how we live, and who we welcome to the table. And like every good meal — it's meant to be shared. Weird and Wonderful Aussie English Video production company: New Mac Video Agency Share this with family and friends
SBS Australia
4 days ago
- Climate
- SBS Australia
Weather and words. Language and living
More resources for language educators Watch Weird and Wonderful Aussie English on SBS On Demand Howie: One day, my Aussie friend said to me, 'Just put it on the hills!' Then I realised — they meant The Hills Hoist. From my research, I've learned that Aussie English is shaped by how people live — the weather, the land, and the way we make ourselves at home. So why do Aussies talk about living the way they do? And what does it tell us about life in Australia? Aussie homes — and our weather — have shaped how we speak. Life in Australia can be harsh and varies across the country. In the Northern Territory, there's no winter — just different types of summer. To newcomers, Australian seasons might not make much sense. That's because the traditional seasons — summer, autumn, winter, spring — were imported from Europe. These seasons explain how the Earth moves, but they don't reflect what's really happening here — when flowers bloom, when crops should be harvested, or when to do controlled burns of bushland. Australia's Indigenous people had a 60,000-year head start observing nature. Many had their own seasonal calendars — two, six, even eight seasons. These Indigenous seasons are based on natural signs. Some last weeks, others span months. If you're interested, you can explore your local Indigenous knowledge sources. Living here means adapting — especially to the weather. You might hang your washing in the bright sun and get hit by rain 20 minutes later. The Hills Hoist has been a backyard staple since the mid-20th century. Many Aussies now use 'Hills' as shorthand for any clothes-drying. Fun fact: In 1945, Sherry Hill complained that traditional washing lines messed up her garden. Her husband Lance Hill created a new invention — and the Hills Hoist was born. Today we use it for drying clothes, party games, and more. Like our weather — and our slang — the Hills Hoist is always spinning. Aussies take pride in adaptability and hard work. One iconic word is 'swagman' (or 'swaggie') — a travelling worker from Australia's 19th and early 20th centuries. You might know them from the song Waltzing Matilda. Swagmen roamed from place to place looking for work, carrying all their belongings rolled up in a blanket, called a 'Matilda.' After a long day of waltzing — or walking — they'd cuddle up with their Matilda for the night. Australia is known for casual living — and that includes party timing. If the event is a backyard barbie or a park catch-up, the start time is often just a suggestion. If it's at a restaurant or formal venue, though — arrive on time. No matter the setting, Aussies love a good chat. And we have some great words for that too. The word 'yarn' likely started as a nautical term. By the mid-19th century, people in Australia and New Zealand used it to mean chatting or storytelling. For many Indigenous Australians, 'yarning' has a deeper cultural meaning. Since the 1980s, yarning circles have been a safe, respectful space for storytelling and knowledge sharing. Whether you call it a 'chinwag' or a 'yarn,' Australians love gathering to share stories in a welcoming place. It's part of what defines our culture — being flexible, open, and connected. From surviving extreme climates to inventing backyard icons like the Hills Hoist, Aussie living shapes Aussie language. Whether we're finding ways to deal with the weather or sitting down for a yarn, we share everything — from food to stories. And the most wonderful part? Everyone — from locals to migrants — can be part of it. We're all shaping and sharing this unique Australian way of life. Weird and Wonderful Aussie English Video production company: New Mac Video Agency
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
"We Voted For This Sh*t?!" — This Teacher's Teary Message After A School Graduation Was Disrupted By Nearby ICE Raids Is Going Viral
ICE raids have intensified across Los Angeles since Friday, June 6, with multiple businesses targeted and workers detained at various locations throughout the city. Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images In response to the heightened federal activity, anti-ICE protests have erupted across LA. Tensions have only grown since then, as Trump ordered 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to the city — escalating fear among residents, especially within the undocumented community, who is estimated to make up roughly 10% of the population in the nation's second-largest city. Advertisement For Mr. Howie, a youth educator, paraprofessional, and behavior interventionist in Los Angeles, ICE's nearby presence impacted his school day, forcing his school into lockdown and allegedly disrupting a nearby elementary school's graduation. In a tearful, emotionally raw video that's since been viewed over 16 million times — more than the entire population of LA County — Mr. Howie documented his reaction to the unfolding events. @justsayuhatebasketball / Via "I can't handle this, y'all," he began, wiping tears from his eyes. "This is crazy, I didn't think this was about to affect me like this." Mr. Howie recounted how an elementary school nearby was in the middle of its graduation ceremony when word spread that ICE was in the area. "They were having their graduation and there's helicopters in the sky," he said, holding back tears. "Most of these schools are predominantly Hispanic." Soon after, he said, his own school went into lockdown. He said, "Our school goes on lockdown. Our principal, you know, tells us it's a drill, but we know it's not a drill... We got like a soft lockdown." Panic quickly spread, he said, as he heard from a coworker that some parents ran from the ceremony out of fear of being detained. "You know, parents had to run out because they don't have papers, and they had to leave their kids because the kids do," Mr. Howie continued, sniffling. Related: "Honestly Speechless At How Evil This Is": 26 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Week Advertisement "What type of shit is this, yo?" Mr. Howie asked, visibly upset. "And then kids are freaking grabbing teachers and crying on their leg because they don't know if they're about to see their parents when they get home." "What the fuck is this? And we voted for this shit?" he continued. "Fifteen people just got picked up on Wilshire at the Home Depot on Wilshire, man. Oh, my God. This is not right. This is not right, yo." While the school district later clarified that no ICE activity occurred at the elementary school graduation ceremony itself, agents were reportedly nearby — close enough to incite widespread fear. That day, 45 people were arrested in ICE raids in Los Angeles, including the nearly two dozen people at the Home Depot just a three-minute drive from the school. The confusion was enough to spark panic, and Mr. Howie's emotional video that followed. LAUREN PUENTE / Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images Related: AOC's Viral Response About A Potential Presidential Run Has Everyone Watching, And I'm Honestly Living For It Advertisement "This was just my raw, emotional reaction to the information given to me," Mr. Howie told BuzzFeed. "My school went on a 'soft lockdown' drill when they heard the news." He added that this wasn't the first time such fears have disrupted the school day this year. "We hear helicopters, and our guard goes up to make sure we protect our kids while also not startling them too much when we are not imminently in danger," he said. "While it did not happen at my school, I just fear for these kids because it certainly could." RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images As a paraprofessional, he explained how ICE's presence only adds more strain to an already high-stress job. "I'm already there to guide, provide, and protect them every day," he said. "Today, for example, I went to school and my kid wasn't there, so I had to leave because I'm a 1-on-1. So if he's not there, I'm not there. I was told his parents were too afraid to bring him because of what's going on." "Teachers are saying things like, 'I have papers and even I was afraid to come,'" he added. "This is all happening to people [whom] I have so much compassion for. This is a human thing." Mario Tama / Getty Images On social media, hundreds of thousands of people sent love to Mr. Howie and the communities impacted by the nearby raids. "Empathy is not something everyone has. Thank you for sharing," one top comment read. "Time to stand together and protect our communities," another wrote. "I can't imagine what these poor children are going through. This breaks my heart," another wrote. On X (formerly Twitter), one post summed it up: "an elementary school having to go on lockdown because the government of the country they lived in is a perceived threat, this is so fucking evil." As the video continues to spread, Mr. Howie said he hopes people understand the heart of the issue. "All I care about is the kids. This isn't political for me. It's personal. I see the faces of these kids every day and want them to know that I'm always going to show up for them," he told BuzzFeed. "This isn't about the 'legalities' for me. I just understand and can empathize with what it's like for an 8-year-old to go to school one morning and then never see their parent(s) again." "I will always show up for them," he said. And finally, he had one last reminder: "We're all human and all got here the exact same way." 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